Lise Zarac, new MP for LaSalle-Émard

A resident of LaSalle for over 40 years and LaSalle Borough Councillor since 2005, Lise Zarac was triumphantly welcomed by her numerous supporters when she arrived at her electoral office in Newman Boulevard, some of whom included her predecessor Paul Martin, Mayor Manon Barbe, and Councillors Laura Palestini, Ross Blackhurst and Vincenzo Cesari.

Moved to tears, she deserved the warm accolade from Mayor Barbe, after which she addressed her constituents. Introduced by Paul Martin who spent the day with her, Mrs. Zarac thanked all of the people who were present. “I thank you all for the confidence you have shown me. I am privileged to have such a great team stand behind me. Paul Martin gave me the assurance and trust providing me with the resources I needed to succeed. I thank my friends at the municipal council who understood that I was working to improve the everyday life of residents and who have accepted my departure so I could go on a different path. From the bottom of my heart, I say to all residents of LaSalle-Émard: I shall exert all my efforts and energy to work for the community’s needs.”

What does she think of this challenge? “It’s a huge challenge but I am ready. I am confident that the transition will go smoothly from the municipal to the federal level.”

Did she have the desire to jump into federal politics for a long time now? “I never really had political aspirations. Even the jump into municipal politics was not planned. I’d say it was politics that ran after me. Paul Martin saw what I was doing for the municipal government and he decided that this was the kind of representation he wanted for his fellow citizens. It will not be easy because we’re in the opposition, the government is a minority government, and the economic situation is precarious. But we’ll roll up our sleeves and find solutions. I would not have accepted the offer to run if I did not believe that I could do it.”

Does she believe that the Liberal Party will know how to climb back to where it was? “The Party must take matters into its hands, apply itself, and do substantial work. A strong party must be built to prepare for the next elections.”

Paul Martin says he is happy about Lise Zarac’s victory. “Lise ran an exemplary campaign. This evening was as stressful as when I was a candidate myself.”

Mayor Manon Barbe was very proud of Mrs. Zarac’s victory. “LaSalle residents are privileged to have Lise Zarac as an MP. She was an extraordinary Councillor. She fought for her concerns. She defends her opinions with all her heart. People can’t ask for more when it comes to who will be defending the rights of LaSalle residents. We’ll work hand in hand, as we have always done with Paul Martin. Lise is frank and has good principles and beautiful qualities. Her departure was a great loss for us but I could not prevent her from taking up new challenges. We’re losing an excellent councillor but we’re gaining a formidable MP.”

Mayor Barbe confirmed that there should be partial elections to fill the seat vacated by Mrs. Zarac.

During the January 2006 elections, Paul Martin won 48.4% of the votes.